Sep 10, 2013 4 min read

McMURRAY – After more than 35 years of serving as the solicitor for Peters Township, William Johnson has announced Oct. 14 will be his last meeting. He’s adamant he’s not retiring, but rather scaling back his law practice.

An avid rodeo rider, Johnson said he’s been a full-time attorney and a part-time rider for several decades, and now he is going to be a part-time attorney and a full-time rider. After saying that, Johnson flashed a large smile following a Peters Township Council meeting Monday.

He announced his decision during a recent executive session, allowing the township to seek proposals from other attorneys and law firms. Michael Silvestri, township manager, said there have been nine inquiries and eight proposals for possible solicitor candidates. The township staff is in the process of setting up interviews with the candidates, with the hope of narrowing the firms and attorneys to three or four. If more candidates are found following the staff interviews, one or two could be added to the list submitted to council.

Interviews of those recommended by the staff will be held Sept. 18. No date was listed for Johnson’s replacement to start.

Council, minus Councilwoman Monica Merrell, who was absent, voted to permit a banner on the Arrowhead Trail Bridge crossing East McMurray Road to advertise an event held by an out-of-township nonprofit Tuesday through Sept. 15. Normally, only township-based agencies are given permission to advertise on the bridge.

The banner will advertise the Lebanese Food Festival to be held Sept. 20 through 22 at Our Lady of Victory Maronite Catholic Church, 1000 Lindsay Road, Scott Township, according to township resident and church member Joe Easton. Numerous township residents and business owners are members of the church, which is the only Maronite church in the Pittsburgh area, according to the Rev. Rodolph Wakim, pastor. He said the proceeds will benefit the church’s building and operating funds.

Councilman James Berquist said permitting banners by outside-the-township groups could open a Pandora’s box. However, Berquist said he felt this was a unique situation.

There are no township ordinances prohibiting outside groups from advertising events in the township. Silvestri said a change in the ordinance could be addressed.

Council voted unanimously to deny permission to McDonald Land Services to conduct seismic testing on township-owned property in the western side of the township on behalf of Range Resources. For the testing, the township would have received $29.13, mainly for testing under stormwater ponds.

“That’s $29.13 we don’t need,” said council Chairman Frank Arcuri.

Council did vote yes, with Arcuri voting no, to pursue the purchase of the Yaniello property, one of the three remaining one-room schoolhouses in the township. One of the other two one-room school buildings is on East McMurray Road and houses a retail shop and veterinary clinic. The second is operated as a restaurant on Camp Lane.

The Yaniello property is involved in a tax sale through Washington County. Johnson said there are no liens on the property. However, there is about $6,000 to $10,000 owed in back taxes, with some owed to the township.

The structure, built in the 1870s, is in relatively poor condition and could pose a liability, said Arcuri, and that, he said, was his reason for his negative vote. The building, which was the original Bower Hill School, is near the current Bower Hill Elementary School.

Berquist said it is important to preserve historic structures in the township.

However, Arcuri said he didn’t want the taxpayers to invest $50,000 in what could become a “money pit.”

In other action Monday, council:

• Tabled a decision on the resignation of David Vogel from the township planning commission. Silvestri said Vogel’s resignation was for personal issues. His term will expire in January 2016, and he has been on the commission since 2005.

• Announced a vote on the amendment of the mineral extraction ordinance is scheduled for the regular meeting Oct. 14.

• Approved payment of $216,909 from Local Share gaming revenue for the Sugar Camp Bridge project, and $158,000 as a payment for the HVAC project under way in the township building.